Ultrasound apparatus and method of displaying ultrasound images

ABSTRACT

A method of displaying an ultrasound image includes reading, based on a user&#39;s input, the ultrasound image stored in a storage medium; displaying, on a screen, the ultrasound image and TGC information that is matched to the ultrasound image; receiving an input of modifying the TGC information by adjusting a TGC value in the TGC information, the at least one TGC value corresponding to a depth value; and updating the ultrasound image based on the modified TGC information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.10-2015-0076617, filed on May 29, 2015, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate toadjusting parameters related to ultrasound echo signal data anddisplaying ultrasound images.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses transmit ultrasound signals from asurface of a body of an object towards a part in the body and receiveecho signals reflected from the object, thereby obtaining images of aninternal part of the object (e.g., soft tissues or blood flow).

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses are small, cost-efficient, andcapable of real-time displaying of images. Also, the ultrasounddiagnostic apparatuses provide a high level of stability because thereis no radioactive exposure. Therefore, the ultrasound diagnosticapparatuses are widely used.

In ultrasound, an amplitude and intensity of ultrasound beams thatpenetrate through the tissues decrease as a transmission distanceincreases. Attenuation is a phenomenon in which the amplitude decreasesby a greater degree as the ultrasound beams penetrate through a longerdistance. Due to the attenuation, intensity of received ultrasound echosignals may be irregular. That is, ultrasound images based on theultrasound echo signals might not have uniform brightness or someultrasound images may be of bad quality. Therefore, there is a need forapparatuses and methods to allow a user to easily compensate forsensitivity of ultrasound images.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments address at least the above problems and/ordisadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Also, theexemplary embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantagesdescribed above, and may not overcome any of the problems describedabove.

One or more exemplary embodiments provide an ultrasound apparatus thatreads ultrasound images from a storage medium, adjusts parametersrelated to ultrasound echo signal data of the read ultrasound images,and compensates for sensitivity of stored ultrasound images, and amethod of displaying the ultrasound images.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method ofdisplaying an ultrasound image includes reading, based on a user'sinput, the ultrasound image stored in a storage medium; displaying, on ascreen, the ultrasound image and time gain compensation (TGC)information that is matched to the ultrasound image; receiving an inputof modifying the TGC information by adjusting at least one TGC value inthe TGC information, the at least one TGC value corresponds to at leastone depth value; and updating the ultrasound image based on the modifiedTGC information.

In an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium includes an externalstorage medium provided outside an ultrasound apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the reading of the ultrasound image includesreading the TGC information that is matched to the ultrasound image andstored in the storage medium.

In an exemplary embodiment, the reading of the ultrasound image includesdisplaying a list of a plurality of ultrasound images stored in thestorage medium; and receiving an input of selecting the ultrasound imagefrom the list of the plurality of ultrasound images.

In an exemplary embodiment, the reading of the ultrasound image includesreceiving the ultrasound image, stored in an external device, from theexternal device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the displaying of the TGC informationincludes displaying, on an area of the screen, a TGC line that indicatesa first TGC value set included in the TGC information, and the receivingof the input of modifying the TGC information includes receiving aninput of modifying the first TGC value set to a second TGC value set viathe TGC line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving of the input of modifying thefirst TGC value set to the second TGC value set includes, when aplurality of slider bars are displayed in the area of the screen,receiving an input of moving at least one adjustment button amongadjustment buttons located at an intersection of the TGC line and theslider bars.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving of the input of modifying thefirst TGC value set to the second TGC value set includes displaying alist of a plurality of TGC preset values sets; and receiving an input ofselecting the second TGC value set from the list.

In an exemplary embodiment, the displaying of the list includesdisplaying text that indicates the plurality of TGC preset value sets.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method of displaying the list includesdisplaying TGC line images that respectively represent the plurality ofTGC preset value sets.

In an exemplary embodiment, the updating of the ultrasound imageincludes applying the at least one adjusted TGC value to ultrasound echosignal data of the ultrasound image.

In an exemplary embodiment, the updating of the ultrasound imageincludes selecting a second ultrasound image frame that corresponds tothe second TGC value set among a plurality ultrasound image frames thatrespectively correspond to a plurality of TGC value sets; and displayingthe second ultrasound image instead of a first ultrasound image framethat corresponds to the first TGC value set.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes matching theupdated ultrasound image to the modified TGC information and storing theupdated ultrasound image.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasoundapparatus includes a touch screen configured to display an ultrasoundimage read from a storage medium and TGC information that is matched tothe ultrasound image, and receive an input of modifying the TGCinformation by adjusting at least one TGC value in the TGC information,the at least one TGC value corresponds to at least one depth value; anda controller configured to control the touch screen such that theultrasound image is updated based on the modified TGC information.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is further configured toread, from the storage medium, the ultrasound image and the TGCinformation that is matched to the ultrasound image and stored in thestorage medium.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus further includes acommunication interface configured to receive the ultrasound image,stored in an external device, from the external device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the touch screen is further configured todisplay, on an area of the touch screen, a TGC line that indicates afirst TGC value set included in the TGC information, and receive aninput of modifying the first TGC value set to a second TGC value set viathe TGC line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the touch screen is further configured todisplay a list of a plurality of TGC preset values sets, and receive aninput of selecting the second TGC value set from the list.

In an exemplary embodiment, in order to display the list of theplurality of TGC preset value sets, the touch screen is furtherconfigured to display text or TGC line images that represent theplurality of TGC preset value sets.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is further configured toupdate the ultrasound image by applying the at least one adjusted TGCvalue to ultrasound echo signal data of the ultrasound image.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is further configured toupdate the ultrasound image by selecting a second ultrasound image framethat corresponds to the second TGC value set among a pluralityultrasound image frames that respectively correspond to a plurality ofTGC value sets, and displaying, on the touch screen, the secondultrasound image instead of a first ultrasound image frame thatcorresponds to the first TGC value set.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is further configured tomatch the updated ultrasound image to the modified TGC information andstore the updated ultrasound image.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method ofdisplaying an ultrasound image includes reading an ultrasound image thatis matched to a first TGC value set from a storage medium; displaying,on a first area of a screen, the ultrasound image matched to a first TGCvalue set; displaying, on a second area of the screen, a gain settingwindow for adjusting TGC values that correspond to a plurality of depthvalues of the ultrasound image; receiving a second TGC value set via thegain setting window; and updating the ultrasound image matched to afirst TGC value set, based on the second TGC value set.

In an exemplary embodiment, the displaying of the gain setting windowincludes displaying a plurality of slider bars respectivelycorresponding to a plurality of depth values; and initializing locationsof buttons on the plurality of slider bars.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving of the second TGC value setvia the gain setting window includes receiving an input of adjusting thelocations of the buttons on the plurality of slider bars tocorresponding locations in the second TGC value set.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving of the second TGC value setvia the gain setting window includes displaying a list of a plurality ofTGC preset value sets; and receiving an input of selecting the secondTGC value set from the list.

In an exemplary embodiment, the updating of the ultrasound imageincludes applying second TGC values in the second TGC value set toultrasound echo signal data of the ultrasound image.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes matching theupdated ultrasound image to the second TGC value set and storing theupdated ultrasound image.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasoundapparatus includes a touch screen configured to display, on a firstarea, an ultrasound image that is read from a storage medium and matchedto a first TGC value set, display, on a second area, a gain settingwindow for adjusting TGC values that respectively correspond to aplurality of depth values of the ultrasound image that is matched to thefirst TGC value set, and receive a second TGC value set via the gainsetting window; and a controller configured to update the ultrasoundimage matched to the first TGC value set, based on the second TGC valueset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects will become more apparent by describingcertain exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B are diagrams of an ultrasound apparatus according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for describing a method of displaying anultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of storing ultrasound echosignal data and TGC information in a storage medium;

FIG. 5A is a diagram of a screen for selecting an ultrasound imagestored in a storage medium;

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a screen showing TGC information that is matchedto a stored image;

FIG. 5C is a diagram of a screen for receiving an input of modifying TGCinformation;

FIG. 5D is a diagram of a screen showing an ultrasound image that isupdated according to modified TGC information;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of storing a plurality ofultrasound image frames related to ultrasound echo signal data in astorage medium;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of selecting an ultrasound image framecorresponding to new TGC information, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are examples of displaying, when a new TGC value isreceived via a TGC line, an ultrasound image frame corresponding to thenew TGC value;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of displaying an ultrasound image,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams for describing an ultrasoundapparatus updating an ultrasound image that is read from a storagemedium based on a new TGC line that is input via a gain setting window;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of modifying TGC information,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams of examples of providing a list ofprestored TGC values;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams of examples for providing a list ofprestored TGC values on a control panel, separately from a main screendisplaying an ultrasound image;

FIG. 13D is a diagram of ultrasound images that correspond to a selectedprestored TGC value set;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method of providing TGC information that ismatched to each of ultrasound images, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of TGC information that corresponds to each ofultrasound images;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method of simultaneously updating ultrasoundimages based on TGC values that correspond to depth values that are setvia a gain setting window, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing an example of simultaneouslyupdating ultrasound images based on TGC values that correspond to depthvalues that are set via a gain setting window;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of updating an ultrasound imagereceived from an external device by modifying TGC information thatcorresponds to the received ultrasound image;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an example of an ultrasoundapparatus remotely receiving ultrasound image related data from anexternal source;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method of updating an ultrasound image bymodifying information of at least one parameter related to ultrasoundecho signal data of a prestored ultrasound image, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21A is a diagram for describing an example of adjusting a dynamicrange;

FIG. 21B is a diagram for describing an example of adjusting a rejectlevel;

FIG. 21C is a diagram for describing an example of adjusting a lateralgain compensation (LGC) value; and

FIGS. 22 and 23 are block diagrams of an ultrasound apparatus, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are usedfor like elements, even in different drawings. The matters defined inthe description, such as detailed construction and elements, areprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplaryembodiments. However, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments canbe practiced without those specifically defined matters. Also,well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail sincethey would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

The terms used in this specification are those general terms currentlywidely used in the art in consideration of functions regarding theinventive concept, but the terms may vary according to the intention ofone of ordinary skill in the art, precedents, or new technology in theart. Also, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, andin this case, the meaning of the selected terms will be described indetail in the detailed description of the present specification. Thus,the terms used in the specification should be understood not as simplenames but based on the meaning of the terms and the overall descriptionof the inventive concept.

Throughout the specification, it will also be understood that when acomponent “includes” an element, unless there is another oppositedescription thereto, it should be understood that the component does notexclude another element and may further include another element. Inaddition, terms such as “ . . . unit,” “ . . . module”, or the likerefer to units that perform at least one function or operation, and theunits may be implemented as hardware or software or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Throughout the specification, an “ultrasound image” refers to an imageof an object, which is obtained using ultrasound waves. Furthermore, an“object” may be a human, an animal, or a part of a human or animal. Forexample, the object may be an organ (e.g., the liver, the heart, thewomb, the brain, a breast, or the abdomen), or an embryo.

Ultrasound images may be at least one of, for example, brightness (B)mode images, color (C) mode images, and Doppler (D) mode images. Also,according to an exemplary embodiment, ultrasound images may betwo-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) images. Alternatively,ultrasound images may be still images or moving images.

Furthermore, throughout the specification, a “user” may be, but is notlimited to, a medical expert, such as a medical doctor, a nurse, amedical laboratory technologist, or a medical image expert.

Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list ofelements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify theindividual elements of the list.

FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B are diagrams of an ultrasound apparatus 1000according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maybe a display apparatus for displaying an ultrasound image, and adjustingparameter values related to ultrasound echo signal data. For example,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an ultrasound echo signalreflected by an object 10, and provide a graphic user interface (GUI) toa user so that the user may set a gain value, e.g., a TGC or LGC value,of the ultrasound echo signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound echo signal data may includeultrasound radio frequency (RF) data, in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) phasedata, and magnitude data showing intensity of the echo signal. Forconvenience, the ultrasound echo signal data may be referred to as rawdata.

In an exemplary embodiment, parameters related to the ultrasound echosignal data refer to parameters that may be applied to the ultrasoundecho signal data to compensate for sensitivity of an ultrasound image,including for example, a TGC, an LGC, a reject level, a dynamic range,and a post-processing filter. However, the parameters are not limitedthereto.

TGC is a parameter for compensating for a magnitude of an ultrasoundsignal that decreases according to depth of a signal traveling in ahuman body. LGC is a parameter for compensating for uneven attenuationcaused by various transmission paths of ultrasound beams.

The reject level is a parameter for removing noise of an ultrasoundimage. For example, the user may set the reject level by selecting anyone value from 1 to 64.

The dynamic range is a parameter for adjusting brightness by modifying aratio between a minimum value and a maximum value of an input signal.For example, the user may set a value of the dynamic range by selectingany one value from 50 to 200.

Hereinafter, an example in which a parameter related to the ultrasoundecho signal data is TGC will be described for convenience.

Referring to FIG. 1, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 according to anexemplary embodiment may include a display 100, a control panel 200, aprobe 20, a main body 22, and an interface for connecting the componentsabove. Hereinafter, the components of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 willbe described.

The display 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may include, but isnot limited to, any one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin filmtransistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emittingdiode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display. The display 100 mayinclude a touch panel 1410 of a certain type (e.g., capacitive,resistive, infrared, surface acoustic wave, integral strain gauge,piezoelectric, etc.).

The display 100 may indicate a main screen for displaying an ultrasoundimage. The display 100 may provide real-time display of an ultrasoundimage obtained via the probe 20, or read and display a prestoredultrasound image. Also, the display 100 may display an ultrasound imagethat is received from an external server or an external device.

The control panel 200 may be a device that includes control items forcontrolling functions provided by the ultrasound apparatus 1000. Forexample, the control items may include, but is not limited to, a menu,an adjustment button, a mode selection button, a shortcut icon, anadjustment interface, function keys, and a setting window (e.g., a TGCsetting window 201).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 200 may includea touch screen 1412. For example, the control panel 200 and a touch padmay be provided in a layered structure to configure a touch screen.

The touch screen may be configured to detect a touch input location, atouched area, and a touch input force. Also, the touch screen may beconfigured to detect a real touch and a proximity touch.

In an exemplary embodiment, the term “real touch” refers to a pointeractually touching a screen, and the term “proximity touch” refers to thepointer not actually touching the screen, but being a predetermineddistance away from the screen. In an exemplary embodiment, the ‘pointer’is a touch device for touching or proximity touching a certain portionof a displayed screen, for example, an electronic pen or a finger. Forconvenience, an example in which the pointer is a finger will bedescribed below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 200 may detect atouch gesture of the user via the touch screen. In an exemplaryembodiment, the touch gesture (touch input) of the user may includetapping, touch and hold, double tapping, dragging, panning, flicking,drag and drop, swiping, and pinching.

“Tapping” is when the user touches a screen with a finger or anelectronic pen without moving and immediately lifts the finger or theelectronic pen away from the screen.

“Touch and hold” is when the user touches the screen with the finger orthe electronic pen and maintains a touch input of a threshold time(e.g., 2 seconds) or more. That is, a time difference between a touch-inmoment and a touch-out moment is at least the threshold time (e.g., 2seconds). When the touch input is maintained for a threshold time, avisual, auditory, or tactile feedback signal may be provided to the userso that the user may recognize whether a touch input is tapping or touchand hold. The threshold time may vary according to exemplaryembodiments.

“Double tap” is when the user touches the screen with the finger or theelectronic pen twice.

“Dragging” is when the user touches the screen with the finger or theelectronic pen, and moves the finger or the electronic pen to anotherlocation on the screen while maintaining the touch. Due to dragging, anobject is moved or panning is performed.

“Panning” is when the user performs a dragging motion without selectingan object. Since a certain object is not selected by the panning motion,the object is not moved in a page, but the page itself may move on thescreen or a group of objects may move within a page.

“Flicking” is when the user drags with the finger or the electronic penat a threshold speed (e.g., 100 pixels/seconds) or above. Dragging (orpanning and flicking) may be distinguished based on whether a movingspeed of the finger or the electronic pen is equal to or greater thanthe threshold speed (e.g., 100 pixels/seconds).

“Drag and drop” is when the user drags an object to a location in thescreen by using the finger or the electronic pen and releasing theobject.

“Pinching” is when the user touches the screen with two fingers andmoves the fingers in different directions. Pinching is for enlarging(pinch open) or reducing (pinch close) an object or a page, and anenlarging degree or reducing degree is determined according to adistance between the two fingers.

“Swiping” is when the user touches an object on the screen with thefinger or the electronic pen and moves a predetermined distance in ahorizontal or a vertical direction. For example, a diagonal motion isnot detected as a swipe event.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 200 may includea hardware button (physical button). For example, the control panel 200may include a hardware button such as, but not limited to, a trackball,a probe button, a power button, a scan button, a patient button, and anultrasound image selection button.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the control panel 200 may beentirely formed as a touch screen, or partially include a touch screen.When the control panel 200 partially includes a touch screen, thecontrol panel 200 may include a touch screen for displaying a GUI andhardware buttons.

The user may be able to easily select a hardware button in the controlpanel 200 by touching without visually identifying the control panel200. However, since locations of software buttons on the touch screenmay vary, it may be difficult for the user to identify the locations ofthe software buttons without looking at the software buttons. Also, theuser might not be able to distinguish peripheries between the softwarebuttons when touching. Therefore, the user has to select a softwarebutton on the touch screen while identifying locations of his/herfingers on the touch screen.

For example, in order for the user to select a button displayed on atouch screen while performing ultrasound diagnosis (e.g., scanning anultrasound image), the user has to move his/her viewpoint from adirection toward an ultrasound image on a main screen to a directiontoward the touch screen. In this case, the viewpoint of the user may besplit between the display 100 displaying the ultrasound image and thecontrol panel 200 displaying control items (e.g., menus). Therefore, theuser might not be able to adjust parameters for compensating forsensitivity of the ultrasound image while scanning the ultrasound image.However, a related art ultrasound system allows an adjustment ofparameters related to ultrasound echo signals only during real-timescanning of ultrasound images.

Also, since a diagnosis target is disposed nearby while scanning theultrasound image, the user might not be able to precisely adjustparameters related to ultrasound echo signal data.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 according to anexemplary embodiment may display a prestored ultrasound image on thedisplay 100. Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display informationof parameters related to ultrasound echo signal data of the displayedultrasound image, on the control panel 200. In this case, since the useris not scanning the ultrasound image of the object 10, the user mayprecisely adjust parameters related to sensitivity of the prestoredultrasound image. The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display theprestored ultrasound image and information of parameters correspondingto the prestored ultrasound image so that the user may accurately adjustthe sensitivity of the ultrasound image. This will be described belowwith reference to FIG. 3.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment maybe provided in various ways. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal. Examples of the mobileterminal may include a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a tablet personal computer (PC), and a smartphone.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may be a tablet PC.In this case, the control panel 200 and the display 100 may beimplemented as a single touch screen. That is, a touch screen of theultrasound apparatus 1000 may provide functions of both the controlpanel 200 and the display 100.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may transmit and receive data to and froma server connected via a medical image information system (e.g., apicture archiving and communication system (PACS)). Also, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may perform data communication according to the DigitalImaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a prestored ultrasound imageor an ultrasound image received from an external source, on the touchscreen. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, on thetouch screen, an ultrasound image and information (e.g., TGCinformation) of a parameter matched to the ultrasound image. In thiscase, since the user is not scanning an ultrasound image of the object10, the user may precisely adjust parameters related to sensitivity ofthe ultrasound image displayed on the touch screen.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a stand(not shown) for attaching and detaching the control panel 200. Thecontrol panel 200 may be attached to or detached from the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 by using the stand.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayinclude a sensor for detecting whether the control panel 200 is attachedor detached. For example, a sensor or an interface for detecting whetherthe control panel 200 is attached or detached may be provided inside oroutside the stand.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the control panel 200 isdetached from the ultrasound apparatus 1000, the control panel 200 mayperform short distance communication with the ultrasound apparatus 1000.Examples of the short distance communication may include, but is notlimited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra wideband(UWB), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), andnear field communication (NFC).

For example, the control panel 200 may detect a location of a pointer(e.g., a finger) that touches the control panel 200, and transmitinformation of a location of the pointer to a communicator of theultrasound apparatus 1000. Then, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayselect at least one control item that corresponds to the location of thepointer among a plurality of control items in the control panel 200.Alternatively, the control panel 200 may transmit information of acontrol item that corresponds to the location of the pointer to thecommunicator of the ultrasound apparatus 1000.

It may be difficult to quickly and precisely adjust parameters whilescanning an ultrasound image. Therefore, hereinafter, a method ofreading a stored ultrasound image after a predetermined time andcompensating for sensitivity of the stored ultrasound image will bedescribed.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for describing a method of displaying anultrasound image, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S310, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read an ultrasoundimage stored in a storage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium may be a memoryin the ultrasound apparatus 1000 or an external server (e.g., a medicalfacility server or a cloud server) that is connected with the ultrasoundapparatus 1000. According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage mediummay include an external storage medium (e.g., a secure digital (SD) cardor a universal serial bus (USB) device) provided outside the ultrasoundapparatus 1000.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image stored in thestorage medium may include an ultrasound image that is permanentlystored in the memory, or an ultrasound image that is temporarily storedin a still image mode (e.g., a freeze mode). Also, the ultrasound imagestored in the storage medium may include an ultrasound image that isreceived from an external device. The ultrasound image received from anexternal device will be described below with reference to FIG. 19.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread the ultrasound image stored in the storage medium based on a user'sinput. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a list ofultrasound images (e.g., thumbnail images) stored in the storage medium.In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofselecting at least one ultrasound image from the list. Then, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may read the selected ultrasound image fromthe storage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive a keyword for searching for an ultrasound image. For example,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive keywords such asidentification information of a diagnosis target, lesion information,annotation information, and/or a diagnosis date.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read an ultrasound image thatcorresponds to the keyword, among the ultrasound images stored in thestorage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image that is readfrom the storage medium may be an ultrasound image including a lesion oran ultrasound image that is bookmarked by the user.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread the ultrasound image together with TGC information which has beenpreviously matched to the ultrasound image, and raw data (e.g.,ultrasound echo signal data) of the ultrasound image.

The TGC information matched to the ultrasound image is information ofdigital TGC that is applied to ultrasound echo signal data to adjustbrightness of the ultrasound image. The TGC information may include TGCvalues that respectively correspond to depth values of the ultrasoundimage. Hereinafter, ‘TGC values that respectively correspond to depthvalues’ will be referred to as ‘TGC value set’, for convenience ofdescription.

In operation S320, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display theultrasound image and the TGC information matched to the ultrasoundimage.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay the ultrasound image and the TGC information matched to theultrasound image on a single screen or separate screens. For example,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display both the ultrasound image andthe TGC information on the control panel 200. Alternatively, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the ultrasound image on thedisplay 100, and display the TGC information on the control panel 200.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay the TGC information on a plurality of slider bars 208. Theslider bars may be arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals alonga depth direction 210 of the ultrasound image. The depth direction mayrefer to a direction from a periphery of the object 10 to an inner areaof soft tissues, i.e., a direction in which a depth value in the objectincreases. The slider bars may respectively correspond to the depthvalues of the ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, based on TGC values in the TGCinformation which correspond to depth values, the ultrasound apparatus1000 may display TGC values that are matched to the ultrasound image bymoving adjustment buttons 212 on the slider bars.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay a TGC line on a predetermined area of a screen. The TGC line mayrepresent the TGC value set in the TGC information. For example, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the TGC line on an area defined asa gain setting area. In this case, the TGC line may connect the TGCvalues that respectively correspond to the depth values.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the TGC line may be a GUI foradjusting at least one TGC value that corresponds to at least one depthvalue. For convenience of description, the TGC line may also be referredto as a ‘TGC curve.’

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the ultrasound image and theTGC line are displayed on a single screen, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may display the TGC line at a side of the ultrasound image such that thedepth values indicated by points on the TGC line matches with the depthvalues of the ultrasound image. According to an exemplary embodiment,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the TGC line in an areaincluding the slider bars.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may identify theprestored ultrasound image and TGC information that corresponds to theprestored ultrasound image.

In operation S330, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofmodifying the TGC information. For example, the ultrasound apparatus1000 may receive an input of adjusting the at least one TGC value in theTGC information which corresponds to the at least one depth value.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of moving the adjustment buttons on the slider bars.For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofdragging an adjustment button on the slider bar or tapping a location onthe slider bar to adjust the TGC value. Also, when the user draws anddrags a line or a curve in a direction perpendicular to the slider bars,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine TGC values with respect todragged locations and set the determined TGC values as TGC valuescorresponding to the depth values.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying a first TGC value set to a second TGCvalue set, via the TGC line. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may receive an input of touching a point on the TGC line and draggingleftward or rightward. If the user touches the point on the TGC line anddrags rightward, a TGC value corresponding to a depth value at the pointmay increase.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a drag input in a depthaxis direction within an area (e.g., gain setting area) where the TGCline is displayed. In this case, new TGC values may be set based on alocation of the drag input.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the TGC line is displayed onthe slider bars, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofmoving at least one adjustment button located at an intersection of theTGC line and the slider bars.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of selecting one TGC value set from a list of TGCpreset value sets. The list of TGC preset value sets will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 11.

In operation S340, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update thedisplayed ultrasound image based on the modified TGC information.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the TGC information ismodified, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may apply at least one modifiedTGC value to ultrasound echo signal data of the displayed ultrasoundimage. In this case, brightness of a portion of or the entire ultrasoundimage may be modified. For example, as the user increases a TGC valuecorresponding to a first depth value, the ultrasound image may becomebrighter at the first depth value. As the user decreases a TGC valuecorresponding to a second depth value, the ultrasound image may becomedarker at the second depth value.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when a plurality of ultrasoundimage frames that respectively correspond to a plurality of TGC valuesets are stored in the storage medium, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayselect a new ultrasound image frame that corresponds to a new TGC valueset as the TGC information is modified. For example, when the TGCinformation is modified from a first TGC value set to a second TGC valueset, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may select a second ultrasound imageframe that corresponds to the second TGC value set instead of a firstultrasound image frame that corresponds to the first TGC value set,e.g., the second TGC value set may be matched to the second ultrasoundimage frame. Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update theultrasound image by displaying the second ultrasound image frame thatcorresponds to the second TGC value set instead of the first ultrasoundimage frame that corresponds to the first TGC value set.

The ultrasound image frames that respectively correspond to the TGCvalue sets may be frames generated from one piece of raw data(ultrasound echo signal data). For example, the first ultrasound imageframe may be a frame obtained by applying the first TGC value set to acertain piece of ultrasound echo signal data, and the second ultrasoundimage frame may be a frame obtained by applying the second TGC value setto the certain piece of ultrasound echo signal data. The pieces of theultrasound echo signal data may be the same or different. The operationof the ultrasound apparatus 1000 displaying the second ultrasound imageframe instead of the first ultrasound image frame will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 7.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maymatch the updated ultrasound image to modified TGC information and storethe updated ultrasound image in the storage medium. For example, when anultrasound image with a desired level of sensitivity appears on a screenwhile adjusting the TGC values, the user may press a ‘save’ button.Then, in response to an input of pressing the save button, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may match the currently displayed ultrasoundimage to the current TGC information (e.g., TGC values corresponding todepth values), and store the currently displayed ultrasound image in thestorage medium.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of storing ultrasound echosignal data and TGC information in a storage medium 400.

Referring to FIG. 4, an ultrasound image 401, parameter information 402,and raw data (e.g., ultrasound echo signal data) 403 may be matched andstored in the storage medium 400. For example, when a first ultrasoundimage is obtained by applying first TGC information to first ultrasoundecho signal data, the first ultrasound image, the first TGC information,and the first ultrasound echo signal data may be matched and stored inthe storage medium 400.

When a second ultrasound image is obtained by applying second TGCinformation and second LGC information to second ultrasound echo signaldata, the second ultrasound image, the second TGC information, thesecond LGC information, and the second ultrasound echo signal data maybe matched and stored in the storage medium 400.

When a third ultrasound image is obtained by applying third TGCinformation, third dynamic range information, and third reject levelinformation to third ultrasound echo signal data, the third ultrasoundimage, the third TGC information, the third dynamic range information,and the third reject level information may be matched and stored in thestorage medium 400. The data for the fourth to nth ultrasound images,the fourth to nth echo signal data, and the fourth to nth TGCinformation may be stored according to any of the above descriptions.

Hereinafter, an operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 modifyingparameters of a prestored ultrasound image will be described withreference to FIGS. 5A to 5D.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of a screen for selecting an ultrasound imagestored in a storage medium, FIG. 5B is a diagram of a screen showing TGCinformation that is matched to a stored image, FIG. 5C is a diagram of ascreen for receiving an input of modifying TGC information, and FIG. 5Dis a diagram of a screen showing an ultrasound image that is updatedaccording to modified TGC information.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a listof ultrasound images stored in a storage medium. For example, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may display respective thumbnail images of theultrasound images stored in the storage medium on an area of a screen498. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the user inputs akeyword, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may filter the ultrasound imagesand display thumbnail images of the ultrasound images that correspond tothe keyword.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of selecting one ofthe thumbnail images from the user. For example, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may receive an input of touching a thumbnail image of afirst ultrasound image 500.

Although an example of the user selecting one of the thumbnail imageshas been described above with reference to FIG. 5A, an ultrasound imagemay be selected in various ways.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display thestored ultrasound image, e.g., the first ultrasound image 500, which isselected by the user, on a first area 502 of the screen. Also, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may display first TGC information 510 matchedto the first ultrasound image 500, on a second area 508 of the screen.For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, on a gainsetting window or area 504 including slider bars 208, a TGC value setmatched to depth values of the first ultrasound image 500. In this case,the user may identify TGC values that correspond to the depth values ofthe first ultrasound image 500 selected by the user.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input(reference numeral 520) of modifying the first TGC information 510 fromthe user. For example, the input may include an input of modifying atleast one TGC value that corresponds to the depth values of the firstultrasound image 500. The user may move at least one adjustment button522 on the slider bars and thus set a desired TGC value for each deptharea.

Referring to FIG. 5D, when the first TGC information 510 is modified tosecond TGC information 530, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may apply thesecond TGC information 530 to ultrasound echo signal data of the firstultrasound image 500, to obtain the updated first ultrasound image 531.In this case, brightness of the first ultrasound image 500 may bemodified. For example, an upper area of the first ultrasound image 500may become brighter because an increase of a TGC value in an upper deptharea (arrows 532 in FIG. 5C), and a lower area of the first ultrasoundimage 500 may become darker because of a decrease of the TGC value in adeeper depth area (arrows 534 in FIG. 5C).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may modify the TGC valuesof the prestored ultrasound image to obtain an ultrasound image with adesired level of sensitivity.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of storing a plurality ofultrasound image frames related to ultrasound echo signal data in astorage medium 600.

Referring to FIG. 6, a storage medium 600 may store a plurality ofultrasound image frames that correspond to a certain piece of ultrasoundecho signal data. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may storefirst ultrasound echo signal data 601, a frame 1-1 obtained by applyinga TGC value set 1-1 to the first ultrasound echo signal data 601, aframe 1-2 obtained by applying a TGC value set 1-2 to the firstultrasound echo signal data 601, a frame 1-3 obtained by applying a TGCvalue set 1-3 to the first ultrasound echo signal data 601, . . . aframe 1-n obtained by applying a TGC value set 1-n to the firstultrasound echo signal data 601. An identification value of the frame1-1 may be matched to the TGC value set 1-1, an identification value ofthe frame 1-2 may be matched to the TGC value set 1-2, an identificationvalue of the frame 1-3 may be matched to the TGC value set 1-3, and theidentification values may be saved.

Also, when storing second ultrasound echo signal data 602, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may store a frame 2-1 obtained by applying aTGC value set 2-1 to the second ultrasound echo signal data 602, a frame2-2 obtained by applying a TGC value set 2-2 to the second ultrasoundecho signal data 602, a frame 2-3 obtained by applying a TGC value set2-3 to the second ultrasound echo signal data 602, . . . a frame 2-nobtained by applying a TGC value set 2-n to the second ultrasound echosignal data 602. An identification value of the frame 2-1 may be matchedto the TGC value set 2-1, an identification value of the frame 2-2 maybe matched to the TGC value set 2-2, an identification value of theframe 2-3 may be matched to the TGC value set 2-3, and theidentification values may be saved.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayapply a plurality of TGC value sets to the ultrasound echo signal data,and thus generate, in advance, a plurality of ultrasound image framesthat may be generated from the ultrasound echo signal data. The TGCvalue sets may be predefined sets. For example, the TGC value sets maybe predefined with respect to identification information of the probe 20that is connected to the ultrasound apparatus 1000. Alternatively, theTGC value sets may be defined by the user or sets of patterns that arefrequently used by the user.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of selecting an ultrasound image framecorresponding to new TGC information, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

In operation S710, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, on a firstarea of a screen, a first ultrasound image frame that is read from thestorage medium 600. The first ultrasound image frame may be obtained byapplying a first TGC value set to first ultrasound image echo signaldata.

In operation S720, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, on asecond area of the screen, a first TGC line that represents a first TGCvalue set corresponding to the first ultrasound image frame. Forexample, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first TGC line inthe second area that is defined as a gain setting area which includesthe slider bars. The first TGC line may be a line that connects TGCvalues included in the first TGC value set.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay the first TGC line at a side of the first ultrasound image framesuch that depth values indicated by points on the first TGC line arematched to depth values of an ultrasound image. For example, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the first TGC line at a side ofthe first ultrasound image frame such that a minimum depth value of thefirst ultrasound image frame is matched to a maximum value point of thefirst TGC line, and a maximum depth value of the first ultrasound imageframe is matched to a minimum value point of the first TGC line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay the first TGC line at a second area that includes a plurality ofslider bars.

In operation S730, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofmodifying the first TGC value set to a second TGC value set via thefirst TGC line.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofselecting a depth value by dragging upward or downward along the firstTGC line. Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input oftouching a first point corresponding to a certain depth value on a firstTGC line and dragging leftward or rightward. For example, the user mayadjust a TGC value corresponding to a first depth value by draggingdownward along the first TGC line and dragging leftward or rightward ata first point that corresponds to the first depth value.

In operation S740, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may select a secondultrasound image frame that corresponds to the second TGC value set.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second ultrasoundimage frames may be obtained from an identical piece of ultrasound echosignal data. For example, the first ultrasound image frame may beobtained by applying the first TGC value set to the first ultrasoundecho signal data, and the second ultrasound image frame may be obtainedby applying the second TGC value set to the first ultrasound echo signaldata.

Therefore, among a plurality of ultrasound image frames obtained fromthe first ultrasound echo signal data, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayselect the second ultrasound image frame that corresponds to the secondTGC value set.

In operation S750, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display the secondultrasound image frame on the first area.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, in the firstarea of the screen, the second ultrasound image frame instead of thefirst ultrasound image frame that corresponds to the first TGC valueset. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an operation of the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 updating an ultrasound image by displaying a secondultrasound image frame in a first area will be described below.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are examples of displaying, when a new TGC value isreceived via a TGC line, an ultrasound image frame corresponding to thenew TGC value.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display aprestored first ultrasound image frame 800 in a first area 810, anddisplay a first TGC line 830, which represents a first TGC value setthat is matched to the first ultrasound image frame 800, in a secondarea 820. The second area 820 may be defined as a gain setting area.

Referring to FIG. 8B, based on a user's input of dragging an innerportion of the first TGC line 830 on the second area 820, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may modify the first TGC value set to a second TGC valueset. In this case, in the second area 820, a second TGC line 840, whichcorresponds to the second TGC value set, may be displayed instead of thefirst TGC line 830 that corresponds to the first TGC value set. Thesecond TGC line 840 may correspond to the dragged line.

Among a plurality of ultrasound image frames related to the firstultrasound image frame 800, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may select asecond ultrasound image frame that is generated by applying the secondTGC value set to the ultrasound echo signal data. The ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may display a second ultrasound image frame 850 in thefirst area 810, instead of the first ultrasound image frame 800.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the ultrasound apparatus 1000read a prestored ultrasound image and displays the read ultrasound imageon a screen, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 does not display TGCinformation that corresponds to the read ultrasound image. An example inwhich the ultrasound apparatus 1000 does not display TGC informationthat is matched to an ultrasound image will be described below withreference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of displaying an ultrasound image,according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S910, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read an ultrasoundimage, which is matched to a first TGC value set, from a storage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage medium may be a memoryin the ultrasound apparatus 1000 or an external server (e.g., a medicalfacility server or a cloud server) that is connected with the ultrasoundapparatus 1000. According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage mediummay include an external storage medium (e.g., an SD card or a USBdevice) provided outside the ultrasound apparatus 1000.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image stored in thestorage medium may include an ultrasound image that is permanentlystored in the memory, or an ultrasound image that is temporarily storedin a still image mode (e.g., a freeze mode). Also, the ultrasound imagestored in the storage medium may include an ultrasound image that isreceived from an external device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread the ultrasound image stored in the storage medium based on a user'sinput. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a list ofultrasound images (e.g., thumbnail images) stored in the storage medium.In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofselecting at least one ultrasound image from the list. Then, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may read the selected ultrasound image fromthe storage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive a keyword for searching for an ultrasound image. For example,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive keywords such asidentification information of a diagnosis target, lesion information,annotation information, and/or a diagnosis date.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read an ultrasound image thatcorresponds to the keyword, among the ultrasound images stored in thestorage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image that is readfrom the storage medium may be an ultrasound image including lesion oran ultrasound image that is bookmarked by the user.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread the ultrasound image together with TGC information matched to theultrasound image, and raw data (e.g., ultrasound echo signal data) ofthe ultrasound image.

In operation S920, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, on a firstarea of a screen, the ultrasound image that is matched to the first TGCvalue set.

In operation S930, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, in asecond area of the screen, a gain setting window for adjusting TGCvalues that correspond to depth values of the read ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay a plurality of slider bars corresponding to the depth values onthe gain setting window, and reset locations of buttons on the sliderbars. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may align the buttonson the slider bars at the center positions of the slider bars.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a reference line may be vertically(in a depth direction) displayed in the gain setting window. Thereference line may be a GUI for setting a TGC curve.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first area and the second areamay be included in a single screen or separate screens. For example, thefirst and second areas may both be included in the control panel 200.Alternatively, the first area may be included in the display 100, andthe second area may be included in the control panel 200.

In operation S940, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a secondTGC value set via the gain setting window.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of moving adjustment buttons on the slider bars. Forexample, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of draggingan adjustment button on the slider bar or tapping a location on theslider bar to adjust the TGC value. Also, when the user draws and dragsa line or a curve in a direction perpendicular to the slider bars, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may determine TGC values with respect todragged locations and set the determined TGC values as TGC valuescorresponding to the depth values.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying a first TGC value set to a second TGCvalue set, via a reference line in a vertical direction (hereinafter,referred to as ‘vertical reference line’). For example, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may receive an input of touching a point on the verticalreference line and dragging leftward or rightward. If the user touchesthe point on the vertical reference line and drags rightward, a TGCvalue corresponding to a depth value at the point may increase.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a drag input in a depthaxis direction within a portion of the gain setting window that does notinclude the slider bars. In this case, new TGC values may be set basedon a location of the drag input.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the vertical reference lineis displayed on the slider bars, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of moving at least one adjustment button located at anintersection of the vertical reference line and the slider bars.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of selecting one TGC value set from a list of TGCpreset value sets. The list of TGC preset value sets will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 11.

In operation S950, based on the second TGC value set, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may update the ultrasound image that is matched to thesecond TGC value set. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayadjust brightness of the entire or a portion of the ultrasound image byapplying second TGC values in the second TGC value set to the ultrasoundecho signal data of the ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maymatch the updated ultrasound image to the second TGC value set and storethe updated ultrasound image in the storage medium. For example, when anultrasound image with a desired level of sensitivity appears in thefirst area while adjusting the TGC values in the gain setting window,the user may press a ‘save’ button. Then, in response to an input ofpressing the save button, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may match theultrasound image displayed in the first area to current TGC information(e.g., TGC values corresponding to depth values) displayed in the secondarea, and store the ultrasound image in the storage medium.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams for describing the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 updating an ultrasound image that is read from a storagemedium based on a new TGC line that is input via a gain setting window.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read anultrasound image 1001 from a storage medium and display the ultrasoundimage 1001 in a first area. Along with the ultrasound image 1001, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may read a first TGC value set 1002 (window1008) and ultrasound echo signal data that correspond to the ultrasoundimage 1001.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, in a second area, a gainsetting window 1003 for setting a TGC value according to a depth value.In this case, locations of adjustment buttons displayed in the gainsetting window 1003 may be reset and the adjustment buttons may bealigned at the center positions of the slider bars.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive, viathe gain setting window 1003, an input of adjusting at least one TGCvalue that corresponds to at least one depth value. For example, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input 1005 of moving a firstbutton 1010 rightward by 3 cm.

As shown in the window 1008, in the first TGC value set 1002, at first,the first button is located at the right of the center position. Thus,the user cannot move the first button rightward by 3 cm, but may onlymove the first button by 1 cm. That is, since the remaining 2 cm exceeds(reference numeral 1004) the gain setting window 1003, the user cannotmove the first button by 3 cm. However, when the locations of theadjustment buttons in the gain setting window 1003 are reset, a TGCvalue adjustable range may be expanded.

Referring to FIG. 10C, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive, viathe gain setting window 1003, an input 1006 of modifying a first TGCvalue set 1002 to a second TGC value set 1007 (operation 1012). Forexample, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of moving afirst button, a second button, a third button, and a fourth button in arightward direction. In this case, TGC values, which correspond to depthvalues respectively indicated by the first to fourth buttons, mayincrease.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update the ultrasound image byapplying TGC values in the second TGC value set 1007 to the ultrasoundecho signal data. For example, portions of the ultrasound image 1001displayed in the first area, which correspond to the first to fourthbuttons, may become brighter.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of modifying TGC information,according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S1110, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a list ofa plurality of TGC preset value sets. The TGC preset value sets mayinclude a TGC value set that is predefined by the user.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the list of TGC preset value setsmay include TGC line images that respectively represent the TGC presetvalue sets. Also, the list of TGC preset value sets may be displayed intext (e.g., numbers, characters, or indices) that represent the TGCpreset value sets.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay the list of TGC preset value sets in a portion of the screen orin a pop-up window.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread at least one of the TGC preset value sets from a memory or apersonal server (e.g., cloud server), and configure a list by using theat least read TGC preset value set. For example, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may obtain the list of TGC preset value sets from anexternal storage medium or an internal storage medium.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive the list of TGC preset value sets from an external device viawired or wireless communication.

In operation S1120, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an inputof selecting a certain TGC value set from the list of TGC preset valuesets. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may detect a touchinput (e.g., tap, double tap, touch and hold, swipe, or flick) or anaudio command of the user related to an icon that represents the certainTGC value set. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

Parameters other than TGC values may be preset. For example, the storagemedium may store a list of preset LGC value sets, a list of presetreject levels, a list of preset dynamic ranges, a list of presetpost-processing filters, etc.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams of examples of providing a list ofprestored TGC values. Similarly, a list of prestored LGC values may beprovided.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display aprestored first ultrasound image in a first area 1201 of a screen, anddisplay a first TGC value set 1202-1, which is matched to the firstultrasound image, in a second area 1202 of the screen.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a list of TGC preset valuesets 1230 in a third area 1203 of the screen. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the list of TGC preset value sets 1230 may be shown asimages, e.g., icons or windows, including TGC lines that respectivelycorrespond to TGC preset value sets. The TGC line may be shown invarious ways, for example, a solid line, a dashed line, or a dot anddash line. The list of TGC preset value sets 1230 may be shown as animage including a plurality of slider bars with intersecting TGC lines.A point of each intersection corresponds to a TGC value at a respectivedepth in the ultrasound image.

For example, the list of TGC preset value sets 1230 may include a secondicon 1231 that corresponds to a second TGC value set, a third icon 1232that corresponds to a third TGC value set, and a fourth icon 1233 thatcorresponds to a fourth TGC value set.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive aninput of selecting the third icon 1232 from the list of TGC preset valuesets 1230. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive aninput of touching the third icon 1232.

Referring to FIG. 12C, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a thirdTGC value set 1202-2 that corresponds to the third icon 1232 selected bythe user. Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update the firstultrasound image displayed on the first area by applying the third TGCvalue set 1202-2 to ultrasound echo signal data of the first ultrasoundimage. The brightness of the first ultrasound image may be modified incorrespondence with values of the third TGC value set 1202-2.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive, from the user, an additional input of adjusting at least oneTGC value in the third TGC value set 1202-2. That is, the user mayadjust TGC values by entirely or partially modifying the third TGC valueset 1202-2 in the second area 1202.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayprovide some samples of TGC preset value sets so that the user mayconveniently set TGC values.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams of examples for providing a list ofprestored TGC values on a control panel, separately from a main screendisplaying an ultrasound image. Similarly, a list of prestored LGCvalues may be provided separately from a main screen displaying anultrasound image.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read a firstultrasound image 1301 from a storage medium and display the firstultrasound image 1301 on the display 100. Also, the ultrasound apparatus1000 may display, on the control panel 200, TGC information that ismatched to the first ultrasound image 1301. For example, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may display a first TGC value set, which is matched tothe first ultrasound image 1301, on a plurality of slider bars 1302 onthe control panel 200.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a gesture of touching a presetbutton 1303 for a predetermined time or more.

Referring to FIG. 13B, in response to the gesture of touching the presetbutton 1303, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a list 1340 ofTGC preset value sets on the control panel 200. The list 1340 mayinclude icons that respectively correspond to the TGC preset value sets.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of selecting one TGC value set from the list 1340. Forexample, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of touchingan icon 1341 that represents a second TGC value set.

Referring to FIG. 13C, in response to the input of touching the icon1341, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read a second TGC value set 1305from the storage medium (e.g., a memory, an external storage medium, ora cloud server). Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display thesecond TGC value set 1305 on the slider bars 1302. For example,locations of adjustment buttons on the slider bars 1302 may varyaccording to TGC values that correspond to depth values in the secondTGC value set 1305.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update the first ultrasoundimage 1301 by applying the second TGC value set 1305 to ultrasound echosignal data of the first ultrasound image 1301. In this case, brightnessof depth areas of the first ultrasound image 1301 may vary.

FIG. 13D is a diagram of ultrasound images that correspond to a selectedprestored TGC value set.

Referring to FIG. 13D, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a list1306 of ultrasound images that correspond to the second TGC value set1305. For example, when a second ultrasound image, a third ultrasoundimage, and a fourth ultrasound image are matched to the second TGC valueset 1305, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display respective thumbnailimages of the second to fourth ultrasound images on a portion of thedisplay 100. In this case, the user may simultaneously identify theultrasound images generated by using the second TGC value set 1305.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method of providing TGC information that ismatched to each of ultrasound images, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

In operation S1410, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read a pluralityof ultrasound images that are stored in a storage medium.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofselecting ultrasound images from a list of ultrasound images stored inthe storage medium. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread, from the storage medium, the ultrasound images selected by theuser. Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read TGC informationcorresponding to each of the ultrasound images and ultrasound echosignal data corresponding to each of the ultrasound images.

In operation S1420, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, on ascreen, the ultrasound images and the TGC information matched to each ofthe ultrasound image.

For example, a first ultrasound image and first TGC informationcorresponding to the first ultrasound image may be displayed in a firstarea, a second ultrasound image and second TGC information correspondingto the second ultrasound image may be displayed in a second area, and athird ultrasound image and third TGC information corresponding to thethird ultrasound image may be displayed in a third area. The user maysimultaneously identify the TGC information that corresponds to each ofthe prestored ultrasound image.

In operation S1430, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an inputof modifying the first TGC information of the first ultrasound imageamong the ultrasound images. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may receive an input of adjusting at least one TGC value thatcorresponds to at least one depth value in the first TGC information.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of adjusting locations of adjustment buttons on aplurality of slider bars. Also, according to an exemplary embodiment,the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of modifying a firstTGC value set to a second TGC value set, via a first TGC linecorresponding to the first TGC information. Also, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may receive an input of dragging in a depth axisdirection within a predetermined area (e.g., gain setting area)displaying the first TGC line. According to an exemplary embodiment, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of selecting one TGCpreset value set from a list of TGC preset value sets.

In operation S1440, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update the firstultrasound image according to the modified first TGC information. Forexample, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may apply at least one TGC valuein the modified first TGC information to first ultrasound echo signaldata of the first ultrasound image. In this case, brightness of theentire or a portion of the first ultrasound image may be modified.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying the second TGC information correspondingto the second ultrasound image among the ultrasound images, and updatethe second ultrasound image according to the modified second TGCinformation.

In this case, the user may compare the ultrasound images or compare theTGC information corresponding to the ultrasound images.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of TGC information that corresponds to each ofultrasound images.

Referring to FIG. 15, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a user'sinput of selecting a first ultrasound image 1511, a second ultrasoundimage 1521, a third ultrasound image 1531, and a fourth ultrasound image1541, which are stored in the storage medium. For example, a user mayselect the first to fourth ultrasound images from the displayedthumbnail images, as described above and shown in FIG. 5A.

In response to the user's input, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may readthe first to fourth ultrasound images 1511, 1521, 1531, and 1541 fromthe storage medium and display the first to fourth ultrasound images1511, 1521, 1531, and 1541 on a screen.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display first TGC information1512, which corresponds to the first ultrasound image 1511, at one sideof the first ultrasound image 1511; second TGC information 1522, whichcorresponds to the second ultrasound image 1521, at one side of thesecond ultrasound image 1521; third TGC information 1532, whichcorresponds to the third ultrasound image 1531, at one side of the thirdultrasound image 1531; and fourth TGC information 1542, whichcorresponds to the fourth ultrasound image 1541, at one side of thefourth ultrasound image 1541.

In this case, the user may modify at least one of the first TGCinformation 1512, the second TGC information 1522, the third TGCinformation 1532, and the fourth TGC information 1542 to adjustbrightness of at least one of the first to fourth ultrasound images1511, 1521, 1531, and 1541. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may receive an input of modifying the third TGC information 1532, andupdate the third ultrasound image 1531 by applying the modified thirdTGC information 1532 to ultrasound echo signal data of the thirdultrasound image 1531.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method of simultaneously updating ultrasoundimages based on TGC values that correspond to depth values that are setvia a gain setting window, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S1610, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read a pluralityof ultrasound images from the storage medium.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofselecting the ultrasound images from a list of ultrasound images storedin the storage medium. In this case, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayread the ultrasound images selected by the user from the storage medium.Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read TGC information andultrasound echo signal data that correspond to each of the ultrasoundimages.

In operation S1620, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display theultrasound images on a first area, and display a gain setting window ona second area.

For example, when a first ultrasound image, a second ultrasound image,and a third ultrasound image are selected by the user, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may display the first to third ultrasound images on thefirst area, and display the gain setting window for adjusting TGCvalues, which correspond to depth values, on the second area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second areas may bein a single screen or separate screens. For example, when the first andsecond areas are in the control panel 200, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may display the ultrasound images and the gain setting window in thecontrol panel 200. Alternatively, when the first area is in the display100 and the second area is in the control panel 200, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may display the ultrasound images in the display 100 anddisplay the gain setting window in the control panel 200.

In operation S1630, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an inputof setting the TGC values, which correspond to the depth values, via thegain setting window.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of moving adjustmentbuttons on a plurality of slider bars included in the gain settingwindow. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an inputof dragging an adjustment button on the slider bar or tapping a locationon the slider bar to adjust the TGC value. Also, when the user draws anddrags a line or a curve which is drawn through the buttons of the sliderbars in a direction perpendicular to the slider bars, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may determine TGC values with respect to draggedlocations and set the determined TGC values as TGC values correspondingto the depth values.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying a first TGC value set to a second TGCvalue set, via a vertical reference line which is drawn through thebuttons of the slider bars in a direction in which the slider bars arearranged. For example, the vertical reference line may be a straightline or a curved line which curves along the direction in which theslider bars are arranged. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of touching a point on the vertical reference line anddragging the touched point leftward or rightward. If the user touchesthe point on the vertical reference line and drags the touched pointrightward, a TGC value corresponding to a depth value at the point mayincrease.

Also, ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a drag input in a depth axisdirection within a portion of the gain setting window that does notinclude the slider bars. In this case, new TGC values may be set basedon a location of the drag input.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of selecting one TGC value set from a list of TGCpreset value sets.

In operation S1640, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may simultaneouslyupdate the ultrasound images according to the TGC values that correspondto the depth values set via the gain setting window.

For example, the ultrasound images may be simultaneously updated byapplying the TGC values set via the gain setting window on ultrasoundecho signal data that corresponds to each of the ultrasound images.

An operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 simultaneously updatingthe ultrasound images will be described below with reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing an example of simultaneouslyupdating ultrasound images based on TGC values that correspond to depthvalues that are set via a gain setting window.

Referring to FIG. 17, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive a user'sinput of selecting a first ultrasound image 1711, a second ultrasoundimage 1712, a third ultrasound image 1713, a fourth ultrasound image1714, a fifth ultrasound image 1715, and a sixth ultrasound image 1716,which are stored in the storage medium.

In response to the user's input, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may readthe first to sixth ultrasound images 1711 to 1716 from the storagemedium and display the first to sixth ultrasound images 1711 to 1716 ina first area of the screen.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display, in a second area, again setting window 1720 for adjusting TGC values corresponding to depthvalues in each of the first to sixth ultrasound images 1711 to 1716.According to an exemplary embodiment, locations of adjustment buttonsdisplayed in the gain setting window 1720 may be reset and aligned atthe center. The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofadjusting at least one TGC value corresponding to at least one depthvalue, via the gain setting window 1720.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofmoving a first button rightward by 3 cm. In this case, a TGC value of adepth value that corresponds to the first button 1722 may increase ineach of the first to sixth ultrasound images 1711 to 1716. Therefore, animage of a depth corresponding to the first button in each of the firstto sixth ultrasound images 1711 to 1716 may become brighter.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input of selecting anicon corresponding to a first TGC value set from a user. For example, auser may select the icon from the displayed list of preset TGC values,as described above with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12C. In this case, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may simultaneously adjust brightness of thefirst to sixth ultrasound images 1711 to 1716 by applying the first TGCvalue set to ultrasound echo signal data of each of the first to sixthultrasound images 1711 to 1716.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of obtaining and updating anultrasound image received by external devices, i.e., the devicesdisposed distally to one another and/or connected via a network.

In operation S1800, a first device 1801 may obtain ultrasound echosignal data.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first device 1801 may obtainultrasound echo signal data of an object. For example, the first device1801 may send an ultrasound signal to the object, and generate theultrasound echo signal data based on an ultrasound echo signal receivedfrom the object.

In operation S1810, the first device 1801 may display an ultrasoundimage based on the ultrasound echo signal data.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound image may be atleast one of, but is not limited to, a B mode image, a C mode image, a Dmode image, and an elastic mode image.

In operation S1820, the first device 1801 may transmit the ultrasoundecho signal data, the ultrasound image, and TGC information to a seconddevice 1802. For example, the first device 1801 may transmit anultrasound image correction request to the second device 1802.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first device 1801 may transmitthe ultrasound echo signal data, the ultrasound image, and the TGCinformation to the second device 1802 via short distance communication(e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first device 1801 may transmitthe ultrasound echo signal data, the ultrasound image, and the TGCinformation to the second device 1802 directly or via a server.

In operation S1830, the second device 1802 may display the ultrasoundimage and the TGC information.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second device 1802 may displaythe ultrasound image and the TGC information matched to the ultrasoundimage on a single screen or separate screens.

In operation S1840, the second device 1802 may receive an input formodifying the TGC information. For example, the second device 1802 mayreceive an input of adjusting at least one TGC value in the TGCinformation which corresponds to at least one depth value.

In operation S1850, the second device 1802 may update the ultrasoundimage displayed on the second device 1802.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the TGC information ismodified, the second device 1802 may apply at least one modified TGCvalue to ultrasound echo signal data of the ultrasound image displayedon the screen. In this case, brightness of a portion of or the entireultrasound image may be modified. For example, as the user increases aTGC value corresponding to a first depth value, the ultrasound image maybecome brighter at the first depth value. As the user decreases a TGCvalue corresponding to a second depth value, the ultrasound image maybecome darker at the second depth value.

Operations S1830 to S1850 correspond to operations S320 to S340 of FIG.3, and thus, detailed description will be omitted herein.

In operation S1860, the second device 1802 may transmit informationrelated to the updated ultrasound image or modified TGC information tothe first device 1801.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second device 1802 maytransmit the information related to the updated ultrasound image or themodified TGC information to the first device 1801 via short distancecommunication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

In operation S1870, the first device 1801 may update the ultrasoundimage.

For example, when the first device 1801 receives the information aboutthe updated ultrasound image from the second device 1802, the firstdevice 1801 may display, on a screen of the first device 1801, theultrasound image that is updated by the second device 1802 based on theinformation about the updated ultrasound image.

Also, when the first device 1801 receives the modified TGC informationfrom the second device 1802, the first device 1801 may update theultrasound image displayed on the first device 1801 by applying themodified TGC information to ultrasound echo signal data of theultrasound image displayed on the first device 1801.

According to an exemplary embodiment, some of the operations S1800 toS1870 may be omitted or be performed in a different order.

Hereinafter, an example in which the first device 1801 is a mobileultrasound apparatus and the second device 1802 is an ultrasoundapparatus of a medical facility will be described with reference to FIG.19.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an example of an ultrasoundapparatus remotely receiving ultrasound image related data from anexternal source.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a first user may obtain anultrasound image of a diagnosis target by using a first mobileultrasound apparatus 1910 at home. The first mobile ultrasound apparatus1910 may transmit acquired ultrasound image related data to anultrasound apparatus 1920 of a medical facility. For example, the firstmobile ultrasound apparatus 1910 may transmit the ultrasound image,ultrasound echo signal data, and TGC information to the ultrasoundapparatus 1920.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first mobile ultrasoundapparatus 1910 may transmit the ultrasound image related data to theultrasound apparatus 1920 via a server of a hospital.

A medical doctor may identify the ultrasound image of the diagnosistarget from the first mobile ultrasound apparatus 1910 via theultrasound apparatus 1920, and increase sensitivity of the ultrasoundimage by modifying TGC information matched to the ultrasound image.Also, the medical doctor may detect lesion by analyzing the ultrasoundimage of the diagnosis target received from the first mobile ultrasoundapparatus 1910.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, a second user may obtain theultrasound image of the diagnosis target by using a second mobileultrasound apparatus 1930 in an ambulance. The second mobile ultrasoundapparatus 1930 may transmit acquired ultrasound image related data tothe ultrasound apparatus 1920. For example, the second mobile ultrasoundapparatus 1930 may transmit the ultrasound image, ultrasound echo signaldata, and TGC information to the ultrasound apparatus 1920.

The medical doctor may identify the ultrasound image of the diagnosistarget from the second mobile ultrasound apparatus 1930 via theultrasound apparatus 1920, and obtain an ultrasound image with desiredsensitivity by modifying TGC information matched to the ultrasoundimage. In this case, the medical doctor may identify status of thediagnosis target before the ambulance arrives to the hospital byanalyzing the ultrasound image of the diagnosis target received from thesecond mobile ultrasound apparatus 1930.

Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the diagnosis targetmay remotely receive an ultrasound examination without going to ahospital.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method of updating an ultrasound image bymodifying information of at least one parameter related to ultrasoundecho signal data of a prestored ultrasound image, according to anexemplary embodiment.

In operation S2010, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read an ultrasoundimage from the storage medium and display the ultrasound image. Sinceoperation S2010 correspond to operations S310 and S320 of FIG. 3,detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In operation S2020, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may displayinformation of at least one parameter related to ultrasound echo signaldata of an ultrasound image.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a parameter related to theultrasound echo signal data refers to a parameter that may be applied tothe ultrasound echo signal data to compensate for sensitivity of theultrasound image. Examples of the parameter may include, but is notlimited to, TGC, LGC, a reject level, a dynamic range, and apost-processing filter.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay the ultrasound image and the information of at least oneparameter on a single screen or separate screens.

In operation S2030, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an inputof modifying the information of at least one parameter.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive the input ofmodifying information of at least one parameter among TGC, LGC, a rejectlevel, a dynamic range, and a post-processing filter. However, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the input of modifying informationof at least one parameter may include, but is not limited to, a touchinput, an audio input, a key input, and a bending input.

In operation S2040, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update theultrasound image based on the modified information of at least oneparameter.

For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may compensate forsensitivity of the ultrasound image by applying the modified informationof at least one parameter to ultrasound echo signal data of theultrasound image.

The operation of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 updating the ultrasoundimage based on the modified information of at least one parameter willbe further described below with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21C.

FIG. 21A is a diagram for describing an example of adjusting a dynamicrange, FIG. 21B is a diagram for describing an example of adjusting areject level, and FIG. 21C is a diagram for describing an example ofadjusting an LGC value.

Referring to FIG. 21A, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may read a firstultrasound image 2100 from the storage medium and display the firstultrasound image 2100 on the display 100. Also, the ultrasound apparatus1000 may display TGC information that is matched to the first ultrasoundimage 2100, on the control panel 200. For example, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may display a first TGC value set that is matched to thefirst ultrasound image 2100 on a plurality of slider bars 2130 of thecontrol panel 200.

Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display dynamic rangeinformation that is matched to the first ultrasound image 2100, on thecontrol panel 200. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay a dynamic range value that is matched to the first ultrasoundimage 2100, on a ‘Dynamic Range’ icon 2120 of the control panel 200.

The dynamic range is a parameter for adjusting brightness by modifying aratio between the minimum and the maximum of an input signal. Forexample, the user may select one from 50 to 200 to set the dynamic rangevalue.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying the dynamic range value via the ‘DynamicRange’ icon 2120. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receivean input of touching left and/or right direction keys 2132 of the‘Dynamic Range’ icon 2120 or an input of dragging a scale 2134 in the‘Dynamic Range’ icon 2120.

Then, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update the first ultrasoundimage 2100 by applying the modified dynamic range value to ultrasoundecho signal data of the first ultrasound image 2100.

Referring to FIG. 21B, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display rejectlevel information that is matched to the first ultrasound image 2100, onthe control panel 200. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 maydisplay a reject level value that is matched to the first ultrasoundimage 2100 on a ‘Reject Level’ icon 2140 of the control panel 200.

The reject level is a parameter for removing noise of the ultrasoundimage. For example, the user may select one from 1 to 64 to set thereject level value.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying the reject level value via the ‘RejectLevel’ icon 2140. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receivean input of touching left and/or right direction keys 2142 of the‘Reject Level’ icon 2140 or an input of dragging a scale 2144 inside the‘Reject Level’ icon 2140.

Then, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may update the first ultrasoundimage 2100 by applying the modified reject level value to ultrasoundecho signal data of the first ultrasound image 2100.

Referring to a screen 2100-1 of FIG. 21C, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may read a second ultrasound image 2150 from the storage medium anddisplay the second ultrasound image 2150 on a first area of a screen.Also, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display LGC information that ismatched to the second ultrasound image 2150 on a second area 2160 of thescreen. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may display a firstLGC value set 2152 that is matched to the second ultrasound image 2150,in the second area 2160.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayreceive an input of modifying the LGC information in the second area2160. For example, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 may receive an input ofmodifying the first LGC value set to a second LGC value set 2162.

Referring to a screen 2100-2 of FIG. 21C, the ultrasound apparatus 1000may update the second ultrasound image 2150 by applying the second LGCvalue set to second ultrasound echo signal data of the second ultrasoundimage 2150, and display an updated second ultrasound image 2170.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are block diagrams of an ultrasound apparatus, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 according to anexemplary embodiment may include a touch screen 1410 and a controller1700. The touch screen 1410 may be included in a display (100 or 1400).However, not all of the illustrated components are necessarily required.More or less components may be included to configure the ultrasoundapparatus 1000.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus1000 may include a probe 20, an ultrasound transceiver 1100, an imageprocessor 1200, a communication interface 1300, a display or displays1400, a memory 1500, an input device 1600, and a controller 1700, whichmay be connected to one another via buses 1800.

The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may be a cart type apparatus or a portabletype apparatus. Examples of portable ultrasound diagnostic apparatusesmay include, but are not limited to, a picture archiving andcommunication system (PACS) viewer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet PC.

The probe 20 transmits ultrasound waves to an object 10 in response to adriving signal applied by the ultrasound transceiver 1100 and receivesecho signals reflected by the object 10. The probe 20 includes aplurality of transducers, and the plurality of transducers oscillates inresponse to electrical signals and generates acoustic energy, that is,ultrasound waves. Furthermore, the probe 20 may be connected to the mainbody 22 of the ultrasound apparatus 1000 by wire or wirelessly, andaccording to exemplary embodiments, the ultrasound apparatus 1000 mayinclude a plurality of probes 20.

A transmitter 1110 supplies a driving signal to the probe 20. Thetransmitter 1110 includes a pulse generator 1112, a transmission delayer1114, and a pulser 1116. The pulse generator 1112 generates pulses forforming transmission ultrasound waves based on a predetermined pulserepetition frequency (PRF), and the transmission delayer 1114 delays thepulses by delay times necessary for determining transmissiondirectionality. The pulses which have been delayed correspond to aplurality of piezoelectric vibrators included in the probe 20,respectively. The pulser 1116 applies a driving signal (or a drivingpulse) to the probe 20 based on timing corresponding to each of thepulses which have been delayed.

A receiver 1120 generates ultrasound data by processing echo signalsreceived from the probe 20. The receiver 120 may include an amplifier1122, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1124, a reception delayer1126, and an adder 1128. The amplifier 1122 amplifies echo signals ineach transducer channel, and the ADC 1124 performs analog-to-digitalconversion with respect to the amplified echo signals. The receptiondelayer 1126 delays digital echo signals output by the ADC 1124 by delaytimes necessary for determining reception directionality, and the adder1128 generates ultrasound data by summing the echo signals processed bythe reception delayer 1126. In some exemplary embodiments, the receiver1120 does not include the amplifier 1122. In other words, if thesensitivity of the probe 20 or the capability of the ADC 1124 to processbits is enhanced, the amplifier 1122 may be omitted.

The image processor 1200 generates an ultrasound image byscan-converting ultrasound data generated by the ultrasound transceiver1100. The ultrasound image may be grayscale ultrasound image obtained byscanning an object in an amplitude (A) mode, a B mode, and a motion (M)mode, and also may be a Doppler image showing a movement of an objectvia a Doppler effect. The Doppler image may be a blood flow Dopplerimage showing flow of blood (also referred to as a color Doppler image),a tissue Doppler image showing a movement of tissue, or a spectralDoppler image showing a moving speed of an object as a waveform.

A B mode processor 1212 extracts B mode components from ultrasound dataand processes the B mode components. An image generator 1220 maygenerate an ultrasound image indicating signal intensities as brightnessbased on the extracted B mode components 1212.

Similarly, a Doppler processor 1214 may extract Doppler components fromultrasound data, and the image generator 1220 may generate a Dopplerimage indicating a movement of an object as colors or waveforms based onthe extracted Doppler components.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the image generator 1220 maygenerate a 3D ultrasound image via volume-rendering with respect tovolume data and may also generate an elasticity image by imagingdeformation of the object 10 due to pressure. Furthermore, the imagegenerator 1220 may display various pieces of additional information inan ultrasound image by using text and graphics. The generated ultrasoundimage may be stored in the memory 1500.

A display 1400 displays the generated ultrasound image. The display 1400may display an ultrasound image and various pieces of informationprocessed by the ultrasound apparatus 1000 on a screen image via a GUI.The ultrasound apparatus 1000 may include two or more displays 1400according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the ultrasoundapparatus 1000 may include a first display and a second display. Thefirst display may be a main screen for displaying an ultrasound image,and the second display may be a control screen for displaying aplurality of control items.

The display 1400 may include the touch screen 1410. In this case, thedisplay 1400 may function as the input device 1600.

The communication interface 1300 is connected to a network 30 by wire orwirelessly to communicate with an external device or a server 32. Forexample, the communication interface 1300 is connected to the network 30by wire or wirelessly to exchange data with an external medicalapparatus 34 or a portable terminal 36.

The communication interface 1300 may exchange data with a hospitalserver or another medical apparatus in a hospital, which is connectedthereto via a PACS. Furthermore, the communication interface 1300 mayperform data communication according to the DICOM standard.

The communication interface 1300 may transmit or receive data related todiagnosis of an object 10, e.g., an ultrasound image, ultrasound data,and Doppler data of the object 10, via the network 30 and may alsotransmit or receive medical images captured by another medical apparatusof another modality, e.g., a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, or an X-ray apparatus.Furthermore, the communication interface 1300 may receive informationabout a diagnosis history or medical treatment schedule of a patientfrom a server 32 and utilizes the received information to diagnose thepatient. Furthermore, the communication interface 1300 may perform datacommunication with a server or a medical apparatus in a hospital, andalso may perform data communication with a portable terminal of amedical doctor or patient.

The communication interface 1300 may include one or more components forcommunication with external devices. For example, the communicationinterface 1300 may include a local area communicator 1310, a wiredcommunicator 1320, and a mobile communicator 1330.

The local area communicator 1310 refers to a module for local areacommunication within a predetermined distance. Examples of local areacommunication techniques according to an exemplary embodiment mayinclude, but are not limited to, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee,WFD, UWB, IrDA, BLE, and NFC.

The wired communicator 1320 refers to a module for communication usingelectrical signals or optical signals. Examples of wired communicationtechniques according to an exemplary embodiment may includecommunication via a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, an opticalfiber cable, and an Ethernet cable.

The mobile communicator 1330 transmits or receives wireless signals toor from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and aserver on a mobile communication network. The wireless signals may bevoice call signals, video call signals, or various types of data fortransmission and reception of text and/or multimedia messages.

The memory 1500 stores various data processed by the ultrasoundapparatus 1000. For example, the memory 1500 may store medical datarelated to diagnosis of an object, such as ultrasound data and anultrasound image that are input or output, and may also store algorithmsor programs which are to be executed in the ultrasound apparatus 1000.Also, the memory 1500 may store a plurality of control items foradjusting parameters related to an ultrasound image, information of auser interface related to each of the control items, information of apreset gain value (e.g., TGC preset or preset LGC), and information of agesture matched to a specific function.

The memory 1500 may be any of various storage medium media, e.g., aflash memory, a hard disk drive, EEPROM, etc. Furthermore, theultrasound apparatus 1000 may utilize web storage medium or a cloudserver that performs the storage medium function of the memory 1500online.

The input device 1600 refers to a means via which a user inputs data forcontrolling the ultrasound apparatus 1000. The input device 1600 mayinclude hardware components, such as a keypad, a mouse, a touch pad, atouch screen 1410, and a jog switch. However, exemplary embodiments arenot limited thereto, and the input device 1600 may further include anyof various other input units including an electrocardiogram (ECG)measuring module, a respiration measuring module, a voice recognitionsensor, a gesture recognition sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor,an iris recognition sensor, a depth sensor, a distance sensor, etc.According to an exemplary embodiment, the input device 1600 may includethe control panel 200 that displays the control items.

The controller 1700 may control all operations of the ultrasoundapparatus 1000. In other words, the controller 1700 may controloperations among the probe 20, the ultrasound transceiver 1100, theimage processor 1200, the communication interface 1400, the display1300, the memory 1500, and the input device 1600.

All or some of the probe 20, the ultrasound transceiver 1100, the imageprocessor 1200, the communication interface 1300, the display 1400, thememory 1500, the input device 1600, and the controller 1700 may beimplemented as software modules. Also, at least one of the ultrasoundtransceiver 1100, the image processor 1200, and the communicationinterface 1300 may be included in the controller 1600; however,exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

The controller 1700 may control the touch screen 1410 such that theultrasound image is updated according to modified TGC information. Forexample, the controller 1700 may update the ultrasound image by applyingat least one adjusted TGC value to ultrasound echo signal data of theultrasound image. Among a plurality of ultrasound image frames thatrespectively correspond to a plurality of TGC value sets, the controller1700 may select a second ultrasound image frame that corresponds to asecond TGC value set. Also, the controller 1700 may update theultrasound image by displaying the second ultrasound image frame insteadof a first ultrasound image frame that corresponds to a first TGC valueset.

From a storage medium, the controller 1700 may read the ultrasound imageand TGC information that is matched to the ultrasound image and storedin the storage medium. Also, the controller 1700 may match updatedultrasound image to modified TGC information and store the updatedultrasound image in the storage medium.

The methods according to exemplary embodiments may be implementedthrough program instructions that are executable via various computerdevices and recorded in computer-readable recording media. Thecomputer-readable recording media may include program instructions, datafiles, data structures, or a combination thereof. The programinstructions may be specifically designed or known to those skilled inthe art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readablerecording media include magnetic media (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks,or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., CD-ROMs or DVDs),magneto-optical media (e.g., floptical disks), and hardware devicesspecifically designed to store and execute the program instructions(e.g., ROM or RAM). Examples of the program instructions include machinecodes that are made by compilers, and computer-executable high levellanguage codes that may be executed by using an interpreter.

The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplaryand are not to be construed as limiting. The present teaching can bereadily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description ofthe exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not tolimit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of displaying ultrasound images, themethod comprising: reading an ultrasound image stored in a storagemedium, based on a user's input; displaying, on a screen, the ultrasoundimage and time gain compensation (TGC) information that is matched tothe ultrasound image; receiving an input of modifying the TGCinformation via adjusting at least one TGC value in the TGC informationthat corresponds to a respective depth value in the ultrasound image;and updating the ultrasound image, which is displayed on the screen,based on the modified TGC information.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe storage medium comprises an external storage medium providedexternally to an ultrasound apparatus.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe reading the ultrasound image comprises reading the TGC informationthat has been previously matched to the ultrasound image and stored inthe storage medium.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasoundimage is one of the ultrasound images, and the reading the ultrasoundimage comprises: displaying a list of the ultrasound images stored inthe storage medium; and receiving the user's input of selecting theultrasound image from the displayed list of the ultrasound images. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound image is stored in anexternal device, and the reading the ultrasound image comprises:receiving the ultrasound image from the external device.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the displaying the TGC information comprisesdisplaying, on an area of the screen, a TGC line that indicates a firstTGC value set included in the TGC information, and the receiving theinput of modifying the TGC information comprises receiving the input ofmodifying the first TGC value set to a second TGC value set viaadjusting the TGC line.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the receivingthe input of modifying the first TGC value set to the second TGC valueset comprises: displaying slider bars in the area of the screen; andreceiving an input of moving at least one adjustment button amongadjustment buttons located at an intersection of the TGC line and theslider bars.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the receiving the inputof modifying the first TGC value set to the second TGC value setcomprises: displaying a list of TGC preset values sets; and receiving aninput of selecting the second TGC value set from the displayed list. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the displaying the list of the TGC presetvalues sets comprises: displaying a text that indicates values of theTGC preset values sets.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein thedisplaying the list of the TGC preset values sets comprises displayingTGC images including corresponding TGC lines intersecting the sliderbars, and each of the displayed TGC images respectively represents theTGC preset values sets.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the updatingthe ultrasound image comprises: applying the at least one adjusted TGCvalue to ultrasound echo signal data corresponding to the ultrasoundimage; and displaying the updated ultrasound image.
 12. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the displaying the ultrasound image comprisesdisplaying a first ultrasound image frame that is generated by applyingthe first TGC value set to ultrasound echo signal data corresponding tothe ultrasound image, the updating the ultrasound image comprises:selecting a second ultrasound image frame that corresponds to the secondTGC value set among a plurality of ultrasound image frames thatrespectively correspond to a plurality of TGC values sets; anddisplaying the second ultrasound image instead of the first ultrasoundimage frame, as the updated ultrasound image, and the first TGC valueset and the second TGC value set are included into the plurality of TGCvalues sets that are applied to the ultrasound echo signal datacorresponding to the ultrasound image to obtain the plurality ofultrasound image frames.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprisingmatching the updated ultrasound image to the modified TGC informationand storing the updated ultrasound image together with the matchedmodified TGC information.
 14. An ultrasound apparatus comprising: atouch screen configured to display an ultrasound image read from astorage medium, display time gain compensation (TGC) information that ismatched to the ultrasound image, and receive an input of modifying theTGC information via adjusting at least one TGC value in the TGCinformation that corresponds to a depth value in the ultrasound image;and a controller configured to control the touch screen to update theultrasound image, which is displayed on the touch screen, based on themodified TGC information.
 15. The ultrasound apparatus of claim 14,wherein the controller is further configured to read, from the storagemedium, the ultrasound image and the TGC information that has beenpreviously matched to the ultrasound image and stored in the storagemedium.
 16. The ultrasound apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ultrasoundimage is stored in an external device, and the ultrasound apparatusfurther comprises: a communication interface configured to receive theultrasound image from the external device.
 17. The ultrasound apparatusof claim 14, wherein the touch screen is further configured to display,on an area of the touch screen, a TGC line that indicates a first TGCvalue set included in the TGC information, and receive an input ofmodifying the first TGC value set to a second TGC value set viaadjusting the TGC line.
 18. The ultrasound apparatus of claim 17,wherein the touch screen is further configured to display a list of TGCpreset values sets, and receive an input of selecting the second TGCvalue set from the displayed list.
 19. The ultrasound apparatus of claim18, wherein the touch screen is further configured to display a textwhich represents values of the TGC preset values sets, or TGC imagesrespectively including TGC lines intersecting slider bars, each of thedisplayed TGC images respectively representing the TGC preset valuessets.
 20. The ultrasound apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controlleris further configured to update the ultrasound image by applying the atleast one adjusted TGC value to ultrasound echo signal datacorresponding to the ultrasound image, and to control the touch screento display the updated ultrasound image.
 21. The ultrasound apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein, in displaying the ultrasound image read from thestorage medium, the touch screen is configured to display a firstultrasound image frame that is generated by applying the first TGC valueset to ultrasound echo signal data corresponding to the ultrasoundimage, the controller is further configured to update the ultrasoundimage by selecting a second ultrasound image frame that corresponds tothe second TGC value set among a plurality of ultrasound image framesthat respectively correspond to a plurality of TGC values sets, andcontrol the touch screen to display the second ultrasound image insteadof the first ultrasound image frame, as the updated ultrasound image,and the first TGC value set and the second TGC value set are includedinto the plurality of TGC values sets that are applied to the ultrasoundecho signal data corresponding to the ultrasound image to obtain theplurality of ultrasound image frames.
 22. The ultrasound apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to match theupdated ultrasound image to the modified TGC information and store theupdated ultrasound image together with the matched modified TGCinformation.
 23. A method of displaying ultrasound images, the methodcomprising: reading an ultrasound image that is matched to a first timegain compensation (TGC) value set, from a storage medium; displaying, ona first area of a screen, the ultrasound image matched to the first TGCvalue set; displaying, on a second area of the screen, a gain settingwindow for adjusting TGC values that correspond to depth values of theultrasound image; receiving a second TGC value set via the gain settingwindow; and updating the ultrasound image, which has been matched to thefirst TGC value set and displayed on the screen, based on the second TGCvalue set.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the displaying the gainsetting window comprises: displaying slider bars which respectivelycorrespond to the depth values of the ultrasound image and includecorresponding buttons; and initializing locations of the correspondingbuttons on the slider bars.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein thereceiving the second TGC value set via the gain setting windowcomprises: receiving an input of adjusting the locations of the buttonson the slider bars to correspond to TGC values in the second TGC valueset.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the receiving the second TGCvalue set via the gain setting window comprises: displaying a list ofTGC preset values sets; and receiving the input of selecting the secondTGC value set from the displayed list.
 27. The method of claim 23,wherein the updating the ultrasound image comprises: applying second TGCvalues in the second TGC value set to ultrasound echo signal data of theultrasound image; and displaying the updated ultrasound image on thescreen.
 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising: matching theupdated ultrasound image to the second TGC value set and storing theupdated ultrasound image together with the second TGC value set.
 29. Anultrasound apparatus comprising: a touch screen configured to display,on a first area, an ultrasound image that is read from a storage mediumand matched to a first time gain compensation (TGC) value set, display,on a second area, a gain setting window for adjusting TGC values thatrespectively correspond to depth values of the ultrasound image that ismatched to the first TGC value set, and receive an input of values of asecond TGC value set via the gain setting window; and a controllerconfigured to update the ultrasound image, which has been matched to thefirst TGC value set and displayed on the touch screen, based on thesecond TGC value set.
 30. A method of displaying medical images, themethod comprising: receiving an ultrasound image from an externaldevice; displaying, on a screen, the ultrasound image and first timegain compensation (TGC) data set values matched to depth levels of theultrasound image; receiving a user's input for modifying the first TGCdata set values to second TGC data set values, by receiving the user'sinput adjusting at least one TGC value corresponding to a respectivedepth value, in the displayed TGC data set values; and adjustingbrightness in the ultrasound image, which is displayed on the screen, atcorresponding depth levels, based on the second TGC data set values. 31.The method of claim 30, wherein the displaying the first TGC data setvalues comprises displaying, on an area of the screen separate from anarea on which the ultrasound image is displayed, slider barscorresponding to the depth levels and a TGC line intersecting the sliderbars at first locations indicating the first TGC data set values, andthe receiving the user's input for modifying the first TGC data setvalues comprises receiving an input corresponding to touching anddragging one of the first locations on the TGC line to a second locationon a respective slider bar, in correspondence to the user's input. 32.The method of claim 31, wherein the receiving the input corresponding tothe touching and dragging comprises: moving all of the first locationsindicating the first TGC data set values to second locations onrespective slider bars, in correspondence to the TGC line being touchedand dragged on the one of the first locations; and modifying the firstTGC data set values to the second TGC data set values to respectivelycorrespond to values of the second locations at which the TGC lineintersects the slider bars, after being touched and dragged on the oneof the first locations.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the firstTGC data set values and the second TGC data set values are included intoa plurality of TGC data sets, and the method further comprises:generating ultrasound image frames by emitting ultrasound signals to anobject, receiving ultrasound echo signals reflected from the object, andapplying values of the plurality of TGC data sets to the receivedultrasound echo signals; and prestoring the generated ultrasound imageframes in correspondence with the plurality of TGC data sets which havebeen respectively applied to generate corresponding ultrasound imageframes.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the receiving and thedisplaying the ultrasound image comprise retrieving a first ultrasoundimage frame, from the prestored ultrasound image frames, whichcorresponds to the first TGC data set values, and displaying the firstultrasound image frame, and the adjusting the brightness comprises:retrieving a second ultrasound image frame, from the prestoredultrasound image frames, which corresponds to the second TGC data setvalues; and displaying the second ultrasound image frame instead of thefirst ultrasound image frame, thereby displaying brightness values atthe corresponding depth levels in the ultrasound image in correspondencewith the second TGC data set values.